“My Daughter Was Almost Dead” – Lionel Messi’s Teammate and FIFA World Cup Hero Reveals How His Daughter Taught Him to Fight

Argentine star Ángel di María nearly lost his daughter Mia back in 2014 when she was born prematurely. Her survival has inspired the World Cup winner throughout his career, and he proudly speaks of it. Di Maria revisited the incident recently while speaking to the Argentine publication Ole. He also talked about Lionel Messi, the World Cup, and other aspects during the interview.

The 34-year-old currently plays for Italian giants Juventus after joining them on a free transfer last summer. He played an important role for Argentina during Qatar World Cup and won the third consecutive final with the country after COPA America and Finalissimia. 

The survival of his daughter has inspired teammate of Lionel Messi

Di Maria, while speaking to the Argentine publication Ole, opened up about the incident with his daughter that keeps him going in life and on the field. His daughter was born prematurely three months earlier and spent two months in the hospital. She battled for her life and survived.

“My daughter taught me to fight her, to never give up on her. To me and my family, and to my wife, who lifts me up when I’m bad and vice versa. We always remember the same thing, how are we going to give up and stop believing if our daughter fought for her life and thank God today she is better than ever.” said the Juventus winger. Those were tough two months for the soccer dad, as no one knew what was going to happen the next day. He used to visit the hospital in Madrid twice a day. It was tough as a dad for the then Real Madrid star to go empty-handed from the hospital every day without his daughter. 

However, those moments taught the Argentine the importance of never giving up, and helped him in his career. It was like suffering every day and becoming stronger withstanding the pain. Di Maria used to see the same children and parents every day when he visited the hospital and saw a few children lose their lives because of illness. Mia finally won her survival battle and came out of the hospital after two months. 

Di Maria weighing over his future after the season ends

Argentine signed for the Turin-based club as a free agent on a season-long deal. He is yet to decide on his future with Juventus, who are in the middle of a financial scandal and have been handed a 15 points penalty.

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It will be interesting to see whether Di Maria stays in Europe or leaves for Argentina to play for a boyhood club. After 15 points deduction, reports were emerging the Argentine thinking of his future. But the former PSG smashed all the rumors stating he is happy at the club and will complete his contract. 

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Let us know your thoughts on the soccer journey of Ángel di María so far. Also, let us know what you think of the incident that changed his life.